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Monday, September 8, 2014

Feast Your Eyes: Red Pepper Taqueria

Attention: I have found my new favorite neighborhood eatery!

Even though I’ve lived in Atlanta for almost two decades, I’ve never found a place I could be loyal to (I’m also entirely too much of venturer, which doesn’t help). But Red Pepper Taqueria has stolen my heart.

Let’s start with the margs: I like ‘em simple. No strawberry-mango flavors, no mixers. Just the made-from-scratch stuff, poured over rocks, with a salted rim. But when I realized Red Pepper serves a blood orange margarita, I had to try it. It is to die for! Not at all sweet, a little tart — perfection.

Red Pepper's blood orange margarita

The fresh raw bar also sets Red Pepper apart from the rest of Atlanta’s Tex-Mex spots. The oyster selection rivals that of the best seafood joints in town and is served with traditional cocktail and mignonette sauces. Try a dozen along with your guacamole and queso — sounds weird, but tastes delicious.

Dozen fresh oysters

As for the rest of the menu, everything is good. Seriously, I don’t have too many recommendations because all the items are great (come with a big group and try one of everything!). I had the tacos (taco Parilla and Al Pastor, which very conveniently are served on shell stands!), but the enchiladas and quesadillas looked amazing, as did the tuna crudo, the Luchador burger, and the salmon a la Parilla, which are some of the chef’s specialties.